Baby Feeding Apparatus and Related Methods

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an apparatus in the form of an animal with a cavity through its head and torso for retaining an infant&#39;s bottle or sippy cup. In one embodiment the apparatus further features a storage pocket on the backside of the torso for retaining baby bibs, pacifiers, or extra nipples for the bottle. In a preferable embodiment the torso of the animal features a flat form so that the apparatus may be uprightly positioned while retaining a bottle or sippy cup.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority and benefit of U.S. Prov. Apps. 61/497,630 (Jun. 16, 2011) and 61/638,364 (Apr. 25, 2012) and said documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The present application relates to improved apparatus for insulating bottles, for gripping bottles, and for providing amusement and/or comfort to bottle drinkers.

2. Background of the Invention

Infant care givers are frequently required to feed infants. In many circumstances, said care givers feed infants via providing nippled bottles to the infants. Sometimes, the infants have specific preferences for the temperatures of the bottles, so it is preferable to maintain temperatures during the course of the infants' meals. Typically, temperature maintenance is accomplished via an insulating sleeve. At other times, it is preferable to the care givers that the infants be fed without the use of the care givers hands, but a bottle by itself may be difficult for the infants to hold on their own. In such times, infant care givers often employ bottle holders for presenting the bottle to the infants.

Infant care givers are also frequently required to amuse the infants. Usually, care givers amuse the infants via presenting a toy to the infants. Typically, the toy is in the form of an animal or cartoon character.

In view of the foregoing, some have attempted to combine toys and insulating sleeves or bottle holders for baby bottles whereby feeding and entertaining can be accomplished simultaneously. For instance, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,641,094 (issued Nov. 4, 2003) (the '094 patent) and 6,824,112 (issued Nov. 30, 2004) (the '112 patent) disclose insulating sleeves or bottle holders for infant bottles in the shape of animals. Although suitable for their intended purposes, the '094 and '112 patents are not entirely satisfactory for infant care givers. One unsatisfactory aspect is that insulating sleeves or holders of the '094 and '112 patents are not entirely suitable for use as a comfort object, e.g., an item used to provide psychological comfort because: (1) the holder and sleeve of '094 and '112 patents require the presence of a bottle, which is hard and uncomfortable, to form the shape of an animal; and, (2) the nipple of the bottle obstructs the face of the animal formed by the sleeve and holder of the patents so that an infant cannot totally bond and be comforted by the animal. Another unsatisfactory aspect of the sleeve or holder of '094 and '112 patents is that the apparatus do not have a means for carrying a baby bib, pacifier, and extra nipples for the bottle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this disclosure to describe improved apparatus for insulating bottles, amusing infants, and comforting infants. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a stuffed animal comprising: a head; a torso that is connected to the bottom of the head at a top portion thereof; a left arm that is connected to an upper left side of the torso; a right arm that is connected to an upper right side of the torso; a left leg that is connected to a lower left side of the torso; a right leg that is connected to a lower right portion of the torso; and a cavity that is disposed through the top of the head and into the torso, said cavity configured to receive and retain a nippled bottle so that at least the nipple protrudes from the top of the head. In another embodiment, the stuffed animal further comprises a pocket disposed on a back side of the torso.

It is yet another object of the present application to describe apparatus without any of the drawbacks associated with apparatus heretofore known for the same purpose. It is yet still a further objective to meet these needs in an efficient and inexpensive manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is better explained in the following description and attached figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a front view of a stuffed animal;

FIG. 2 is a back view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 is another front view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is another side view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for one mode of operation for the stuffed animal of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 1, but with a nipple of a bottle protruding from the top of the animal's head;

FIG. 10 is a back view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 9;

FIG. 14 is a back view of another stuffed animal with a pocket on the back of its torso; and,

FIG. 15 is a side view of the stuffed animal of FIG. 14.

It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments disclosed in this application, and therefore, are not to be considered limiting of the scope of the claims, for the claims may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In general, disclosed are improved apparatus for insulating bottles, amusing infants, and comforting infants. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is in the form of an animal comprising: a head; a torso; a left arm; a right arm; a left leg; a right leg; and a cavity configured to receive and retain a nippled bottle so that at least the nipple protrudes from the top of the head. In another embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a pocket disposed on a back side of the torso of the animal form. The more specific details concerning the disclosed apparatus are described in view of the attached figures.

FIGS. 1 through 5 respectively illustrate a front view, a back view, a side view, a top view, and a bottom view of a preferred apparatus 1000. As shown in the figures, the apparatus 1000 may be in the form of an animal. Still referring to said figures, the apparatus 1000 preferably comprises: a head 1100; a torso 1200 that is connected to the bottom of the head 1100 at a top portion thereof the torso 1200; a left arm 1300 that is connected to an upper left side of the torso 1300; a right arm 1400 that is connected to an upper right side of the torso 1200; a left leg 1500 that is connected to a lower left side of the torso 1200; a right leg 1600 that is connected to a lower right portion of the torso 1200; and a cavity 1700 that, as discussed further below in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7, is disposed through the top of the head 1100 and into the torso 1200. Still referring to the figures, the head 1100 features two ears 1101, two eyes 1102, and a snout 1103 with a mouth 1104 and nose 1105.

In one embodiment, the apparatus 1000 is constructed as a stuffed animal that is between six (6) and nine (9) inches tall when measured from the bottom of the torso 1200 to the top of the head 1100. In the same embodiment: the head may suitably be thirteen to sixteen inches in circumference; the torso 1200 may be a generally teardrop shape that tapers from between twelve (12) and fourteen (14) inches in circumference at a midsection to between seventeen (17) and twenty-one (21) inches at its lowermost portion; and, the arms 1300, 1400 and legs 1500, 1600 may suitably be two (2) to four (4) inches long.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are respectively another front view and another side view of the apparatus 1000 of FIGS. 1 through 5. FIGS. 4, 6 and 7 show the cavity 1700 in broken lines. As shown by the figures, the cavity 1700 suitably defines a generally cylindrical pocket that is disposed through the top of the head 1100 and into the torso 1200. Dimensionally, the cavity may suitably be five (5) to eight (8) inches in depth and six (6) to eight (8) inches in circumference. Operably, the top of the cavity 1700 features an elastic ring 1701 so that the cavity 1700 is configured to stretch around the reservoir of a baby bottle so that the reservoir of the bottle may be retained within the cavity while the nipple of the bottle protrudes from the top of the apparatus' 1000 head 1100. Suitably, the elastic ring 1701 constricts around the top of a baby bottle to securely retain the bottle in the cavity 1700.

Suitably, the apparatus 1000 may be constructed in the same general manner know to those of skill in the art of stuffed animal construction. In a preferable embodiment, the component parts are sewn together wherein the outer material of the apparatus is preferably EF-velour, the stuffing is polyester, the cavity is formed of wool cloth, and the eyes 1102, nose 1104, and mouth 1105 are embroidered.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart for one mode of operation for the stuffed animal of FIG. 1. First, an apparatus 1000 may be secured so that the head 1100 is upright. Second, the butt 2100 of a bottle 2000 may be directed toward the elastic ring 1701 of the cavity 1700. Third, the elastic ring 1701 at the rim of the cavity may be stretched to receive the reservoir of the bottle 2000. Fourth, the reservoir 2200 of the bottle may be inserted into the cavity 1700 until the cap and nipple 2300 of the bottle are adjacent to the elastic ring. Finally, the elastic ring may be secured around the neck of the bottle 2000. The result of said operation will generally appear to be the apparatus depicted in FIGS. 9 through 13. Whenever a bottle is positioned within the apparatus 1000 as shown in FIGS. 9 through 13, the bottle may be provided to an infant during feeding for insulating the bottle, amusing the child, and for comforting the child. In a preferred embodiment, the butt of the apparatus 1000, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 12, is suitably flat so that the apparatus may be uprightly positioned while retaining a full bottle.

FIGS. 14 and 15 respectively are a back view and a side view of another stuffed animal with a pocket 1201 on the back of its torso 1200. As shown, the torso 1200 of the apparatus features a pocket that has a generally horizontal opening across the backside of the torso 1200. In one embodiment, the dimensions of the pocket 1201 are two (2) to six (6) inches deep by two (2) to six (6) inches wide. In operation, baby bibs, pacifiers, or extra bottle nipples may be deposited in the pocket

It should be noted that FIGS. 1 through 15 and the associated description are of illustrative importance only. In other words, the depiction and descriptions of the present invention should not be construed as limiting of the subject matter in this application. For example, although disclosed in terms of retaining a baby bottle, the same apparatus may be adapted for use in connection with sippy cups. Furthermore, although depicted in the form of a bear, the apparatus may take the shape of any lifeform. Additional modifications may become apparent to one skilled in the art after reading this disclosure.

In summary, what is closed may be an apparatus for retaining a bottle comprising:

a housing operationally configured to receive a bottle; Said housing in the form of a stuffed animal toy and said toy having an aperture disposed thereon at the upper portion of said toy for receipt of said bottle. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of earlier described further comprising a cavity within said toy that conceals the bottle, except for a nipple of said bottle which extends external to said stuffed animal toy, where a user can suck said nipple. The apparatus for retaining a bottle earlier described further comprising a toy that defines the shape of a teddy bear. The apparatus for retaining a bottle earlier described wherein said nipple and bottle extend not more than 2 inches beyond said aperture. The earlier described apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim two wherein said cavity is formed from water resistant materials. The apparatus for retaining a bottle earlier described further comprising a toy that is hypoallergenic. What is also disclosed may be a method of nourishing an infant while simultaneously entertaining and comforting the infant comprising the steps of: obtaining a stuffed animal toy featuring any internal cavity with an opening at its top; obtaining a bottle and filling it with nourishing liquid and placing a nipple on this bottle; inserting said bottle into said stuffed animal through said opening at the top of said stuffed animal, wherein the bottom of said bottle is inserted into said stuffed animal first; snugly securing said bottle inserted stuffed animal toy; delivering said bottle and stuffed animal toy to in infant, whereby said infant may be nourished and simultaneously entertained. Yet still what is disclosed may be an apparatus for insulating bottles, amusing infants, and comforting infants, said apparatus in the form of an animal and comprising: a head; a torso that is connected to a bottom portion of the head at a top portion thereof said torso, wherein said torso is generally flat on a bottom portion thereof so that the torso and head may be uprightly positioned thereon said flat portion; a left arm that is connected to an upper left side of the torso; a right arm that is connected to an upper right side of the torso; a left leg that is connected to a lower left side of the torso; a right leg that is connected to a lower right portion of the torso; and, a cavity that is disposed through the top of the head and into the torso, said cavity configured to receive and retain a nippled bottle so that at least the nipple protrudes from the top of the head. 

1. I claim an apparatus for retaining a bottle comprising: a housing operationally configured to receive a bottle; said housing in the form of a stuffed animal toy and said toy having an aperture disposed thereon at the upper portion of said toy for receipt of said bottle.
 2. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim one further comprising a cavity within said toy that conceals the bottle, except for a nipple of said bottle which extends external to said stuffed animal toy, where a user can suck said nipple.
 3. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim one further comprising a toy that defines the shape of a teddy bear.
 4. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim one wherein said nipple and bottle extend not more than 2 inches beyond said aperture.
 5. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim two wherein said cavity is formed from water resistant materials.
 6. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim one further comprising a toy that is hypoallergenic.
 7. I claim a method of nourishing an infant while simultaneously entertaining and comforting the infant comprising the steps of: obtaining a stuffed animal toy featuring any internal cavity with an opening at its top; obtaining a bottle and filling it with nourishing liquid and placing a nipple on this bottle; inserting said bottle into said stuffed animal through said opening at the top of said stuffed animal, wherein the bottom of said bottle is inserted into said stuffed animal first; snugly securing said bottle inserted stuffed animal toy; delivering said bottle and stuffed animal toy to in infant, whereby said infant may be nourished and simultaneously entertained.
 8. I claim an apparatus for insulating bottles, amusing infants, and comforting infants, said apparatus in the form of an animal and comprising: a head; a torso that is connected to a bottom portion of the head at a top portion thereof said torso, wherein said torso is generally flat on a bottom portion thereof so that the torso and head may be uprightly positioned thereon said flat portion; a left arm that is connected to an upper left side of the torso; a right arm that is connected to an upper right side of the torso; a left leg that is connected to a lower left side of the torso; a right leg that is connected to a lower right portion of the torso; and, a cavity that is disposed through the top of the head and into the torso, said cavity configured to receive and retain a nippled bottle so that at least the nipple protrudes from the top of the head.
 9. The apparatus of claim 9 where a user can suck said nipple.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 in the shape of a teddy bear.
 11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said nipple and bottle extend not more than 2 inches beyond said head.
 12. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim 9 wherein said cavity is formed from water resistant materials.
 13. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim 10 further comprising a toy that is hypoallergenic.
 14. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim 11 wherein said cavity is formed from water resistant materials.
 15. The apparatus for retaining a bottle of claim 12 further comprising a toy that is hypoallergenic.
 16. The method of claim 8 where the user sucks said nipple.
 17. The method of claim 8 wherein the toy is in the shape of a teddy bear.
 18. The method of claim 8 wherein said nipple and bottle extend not more than two inches beyond said opening.
 19. The method of claim 8 wherein said cavity is formed from water resistant materials.
 20. The method of claim 8 wherein the toy is hypoallergenic. 